How to Protect Your Child From Digital Eye Strain

From tablets and laptops to smartphones and smartboards, digital screens are now a daily part of children’s lives. While technology supports learning and entertainment, prolonged screen use can lead to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Children may not always recognize or communicate visual discomfort, making it especially important for parents to understand the risks and take proactive steps to protect their child’s eye health.

What Is Digital Eye Strain in Children?

Digital eye strain occurs when the eyes work too hard for extended periods of time focusing on screens. Children’s visual systems are still developing, and long hours of screen use - especially without breaks - can place unnecessary stress on their eyes.

Common symptoms in children include:

· Headaches

· Eye fatigue or burning sensations

· Blurry or double vision

· Dry or watery eyes

· Difficulty focusing

· Increased eye rubbing or squinting

If left unaddressed, digital eye strain can interfere with school performance, concentration, and overall comfort. We will cover some ways to help reduce digital eye strain in children.

Limit Screen Time When Possible

One of the most effective ways to reduce digital eye strain is managing how much time your child spends on screens. While screen use may be unavoidable for schoolwork, recreational screen time should be limited and balanced with outdoor activities, reading, and hands-on play.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends creating a family media plan that sets clear boundaries around screen use, especially before bedtime.

Encourage the 20-20-20 Rule

Teaching children healthy screen habits early can make a significant difference. This guideline reminds children to take regular visual breaks during screen time by shifting their focus away from the screen every 20 minutes and looking at something around 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. Giving the eyes this brief rest helps relax the focusing muscles, reduces fatigue, and can prevent discomfort caused by prolonged screen use.

Ensure Proper Screen Setup and Lighting

Poor screen positioning and lighting can worsen digital eye strain. To create a child-friendly screen environment:

· Position screens slightly below eye level

· Keep screens about arm’s length away

· Reduce glare by adjusting room lighting

· Avoid using screens in dark rooms

· Increase text size when possible to reduce squinting

These small adjustments can significantly reduce strain during screen use.

Remind Children to Blink

Children tend to blink less when concentrating on screens, which can lead to dry, irritated eyes. Encourage your child to blink often, especially during extended screen time. For children who experience frequent dryness, your eye doctor may recommend lubricating eye drops.

Schedule Regular Pediatric Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are essential for detecting vision problems early and ensuring your child’s eyes are developing properly. An eye exam can identify uncorrected refractive errors, focusing issues, or binocular vision problems that may contribute to digital eye strain.

If your child already wears glasses, your eye doctor can determine whether their prescription is still accurate or if specialized lenses for screen use may be beneficial.

Contact Eyecare Boulevard to Schedule Your Child’s Pediatric Eye Exam Today

Digital devices are an integral part of modern childhood, but excessive or improper screen use can place unnecessary strain on your child’s eyes. By setting limits, encouraging healthy visual habits, and scheduling regular eye exams, parents can play a key role in protecting their child’s vision now and in the future.

If your child is experiencing headaches, eye fatigue, or other signs of digital eye strain, Eyecare Boulevard is here to help. Visit our office in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, or call (405) 437-0763 to book an appointment.